Frangipani, Plumeria alba, Plumeria rubra, Plumeria obtusa, Pua Melia, Temple Tree, Plumeria Tree
Plumeria (Frangipani) are small deciduous or semi-evergreen shrubs and trees that add a tropical aesthetic and spectacular floral display to warm-climate landscapes. They are celebrated for their intoxicatingly fragrant flowers, often used to craft leis in Pacific islands such as Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, and Samoa.
Plumeria plays a significant role in cultural traditions by symbolizing love, immortality, and new beginnings. In Asia, they adorn Buddhist and Hindu temples, while in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, they are associated with death and planted in cemeteries. Plumeria rubra is the national flower of Nicaragua, and Plumeria is the national flower of Laos.
Plumeria belongs to the Apocynaceae family (dogbane family) and includes about a dozen species native to tropical regions of the Americas, ranging from Mexico to northern South America and the Caribbean.
Hardiness: Plumeria thrives in USDA Zones 10-12, where temperatures remain above 40°F (4°C).
Growth Habit: Plumeria can grow as large shrubs or small trees. Their fleshy, elongated leaves cluster at the tips of thick, succulent branches. While Plumeria obtusa is evergreen, other species experience a dormant period where flowering stops and leaves fall.
Flowers: Blooming from late spring to fall in the Northern Hemisphere, Plumeria bears clusters of showy, waxy flowers at the branch tips. These 2-4 inch-wide (5-10 cm) blooms feature five rounded, overlapping petals in shades of pink, red, white, yellow, or bicolor. Each flower lasts between 1 and 4 days.
Fragrance: Plumeria flowers emit a sweet scent reminiscent of jasmine, citrus, and gardenia. The fragrance is strongest at night to attract pollinating moths, although the flowers lack nectar.
Height/Spread: Depending on species or cultivar, Plumeria plants grow upright and compact or sprawling, reaching up to 20 feet (6 meters). In home landscapes, they are typically pruned to a height of 6-8 feet (180-240 cm).
Popular Species: The most widely cultivated species include Plumeria alba, Plumeria rubra, and Plumeria obtusa, along with countless hybrid varieties offering an array of colors and fragrances.
Uses: Plumeria is commonly used in tropical landscapes worldwide for its vibrant, fragrant blooms. It serves as a striking specimen plant or accent and can be grown in containers, adding color and fragrance to patios and decks.
Tolerances: Plumeria is salt and drought-tolerant, but it requires consistent watering during dry spells.
Toxicity: Plumeria produces a toxic milky sap that can irritate the skin and eyes and cause dermatitis. Ingesting the leaves or flowers can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Pet owners should be cautious as the plant is mildly toxic to dogs.
Millions of Plumeria flowers are produced each year, many of which are used to make leis in the Pacific Islands. In Hawaiian culture, Plumeria flowers worn behind the left ear signify a woman in a relationship, while wearing them behind the right ear indicates she is available.
Hardiness |
10 - 12 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Apocynaceae |
Genus | Plumeria |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Drought, Salt |
Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden |
Tdlucas5000, Flickr, Sarahfb, Shutterstock
Hardiness |
10 - 12 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Apocynaceae |
Genus | Plumeria |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Drought, Salt |
Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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